The northern lights are a bucket-list item that appears on virtually every travelers’ wishlist—but if you’re really lucky, you won’t even need to catch a flight to see them. The northern lights are one of nature’s most stunning displays, and can often be seen at destinations such as Alaska, Iceland. Norway. It’s true, the best places to see the northern lights Aurora hunters from the US can also get lucky in their own backyards.
Northern lights are caused when charged particles from the sun hit the Earth and interact with its atmosphere. They then glow. Although this occurs on a regular basis, the auroral displays can be too weak to see, and northern lights tend to stay up north. But especially powerful solar events can occasionally make the northern lights visible in the US—and we’re not just talking about Alaska either. In fact, the May 2024 Gannon storm—the most severe geomagnetic storm in two decades—put on an auroral display in all 50 states. (Yes, Hawaii included.)
Such strong events happen infrequently, but even lesser ones can nudge the northern lights toward the US–Canada border. If you want to increase your chances of seeing auroras, then head for the darkest skies that you can find. First, some rules to follow when aurora hunting.
How to see northern lights
You don’t have to be in any of the locations below to see the northern light. To see the northern lights, you’ll need clear skies with minimal light pollution and a view that is wide and open to the north. (Lakes and hilltops can be your best friend). To find the best viewing location, you may have to travel around these locations.
It is difficult to forecast the solar activity in mid-latitude areas. We usually have to wait a few weeks until a satellite can observe any activity on the Sun. Watch out for geomagnetic-storm warnings. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center—the stronger the storm, the better your odds of seeing the northern lights.
Even with increased solar activity, geomagnetic conditions may not be ideal for a northern lights display worthy of social media. If you use your camera, you might be able only to see a faint white glow. Hold your phone camera to a dark night sky. The cell phone camera is more sensitive than the human eye. For more tips from experts, please read our full article. guide to night sky photography.)
These viewing spots in the contiguous US are great if the forecast is promising but you don’t want to travel all the way to Alaska. If the northern light show doesn’t happen, you can still enjoy the outdoors day or night at these locations.
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Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine
There are many rural areas and a low density of population. Maine It is the perfect state to view auroras. Make your way to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument for especially dark skies—it’s a designated International Dark Sky Place By: DarkSky InternationalA non-profit organization that works to preserve the night skies.
Accommodations: The New England Outdoor Center on Millinocket Lake, just north of the monument, operates a night sky observatory. webcam Many mid-latitude aurora hunters use this tool as a forecasting device. The comfortable seats are also a bonus. cabins For travelers to the area.
The Adirondacks in New York
Although not a national parks, New York’s Adirondack Park is the largest protected area in the contiguous US, spanning about 6 million acres—it’s larger than the entire state of Vermont. It has many places that are dark and perfect to catch the northern lights. You can head as far north in the park as possible, to one of its lakes such as Saranac Lake, or Tupper Lake.
